How to Use Silver Thermal Compound

Computer processors can run to a high heat if they are not cool. Most computers come with fans that accomplish that task. Sometimes, though, you need to apply a coating of silver thermal compound to the computer processor to help it bond better with the computer's heat sink. With the processor and heat sink properly cooling the CPU, youe computer can last much longer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• High-purity isopropyl alcohol
• Lint-free cloth or clean coffee filter
• Spreading device
• Silver thermal compound

1. Turn off the electricity to your computer. Remove all the cords. Open the case.

2. Locate the CPU core. Clean any thermal compound that remains on the CPU core. You can use high-purity isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Don't touch the CPU core with your fingers.

3. Apply a small dab of silver thermal compound to the CPU core. Don't get any of the silver thermal compound on anything else inside the CPU. A small CPU core only needs a spot of silver thermal compound about the size of ½ of a grain of rice.

4. Spread the silver thermal compound with a spreading device. Some compounds come with a device, or you can use a razor blade or the clean edge of a credit card. Whatever tool you use must be clean.

5. Make sure the layer of silver thermal compound is thin and evenly covers the CPU core. The tiniest gap can spoil the effectiveness of the whole procedure.

6. Look for stray hairs or lint in the silver thermal compound. Make sure you get the CPU core and heat sink properly aligned as you close the case. Reassemble the computer.